Willis, the “coolest” sea turtle in the ocean, was released back into the water after being given a clean bill of health. Carrier sponsored the juvenile loggerhead sea turtle’s rehabilitation efforts, who had been a patient at the Sea Turtle Hospital at Loggerhead Marinelife Center in Juno Beach, Florida, since June.

“Carrier’s global headquarters is located just five miles from one of the most active sea turtle nesting beaches in the world. So, as members of the local community, we recognize and value LMC’s work in promoting conservation of our oceans and threatened and endangered sea turtles,” said Kori Recalde, Senior Director, Social Impact, Carrier. “We are all thrilled to support the rehabilitation and release of Willis the sea turtle and thank the LMC ensuring his speedy recovery.”

Willis was found with a heavy epibiota load (barnacles and saltwater leeches attached) on its carapace (upper shell), plastron (lower shell) and soft tissue. The turtle arrived slightly underweight, and bloodwork showed early signs of chronic debilitation, which means overall poor health due to starvation. Willis arrived missing most of its right rear flipper due to an unknown prior trauma. Over the course of two months, the team of staff and volunteers provided Willis with around the clock care and treatments resulting in Willis’ upcoming release.

Carrier employees were in attendance to cheer on Willis as he made his way home to the ocean. Earlier in the summer employees selected the name Willis, in honor of Willis Carrier, the inventor of modern air conditioning, during an Earth Day celebration in honor of this year’s “Protect Our Species” theme that included a 5k walk / run fundraiser for Loggerhead Marinelife Center at the Carrier world headquarters, the Center for Intelligent Buildings.